Press Release

MISSOULA MIDSHIPMEN APPOINTED TO LEADERSHIP POSITIONS AT U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY

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ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Naval Academy Midshipmen 1st Class (seniors) and 2009 Sentinel High School graduates Jocelynn Knudsen and Justin Mueller were recently selected for leadership positions at the U.S. Naval Academy.

The Brigade of Midshipmen, the academy’s student body, is organized into two regiments which consist of three battalions with five companies each. There are approximately 150 midshipmen in a company. Midshipmen 1st Class are in charge of each of these units under the supervision of naval officers and senior enlisted leaders.

Knudsen is a political science major and is serving as the 1st Battalion commander. As battalion commander she oversees five companies with a total of 775 midshipmen keeping communication flowing smoothly and effectively up and down the chain of command. Knudsen implements and supports the policies of the Brigade Commander by working closely with the company commanders (including Justin Mueller).

Asked to describe her experience at the Naval Academy she said, “This school has taught me not only how to become a better Naval Officer, but a better person and leader. The officers, teachers, and peers I am privileged to work with every day astound me. They teach me something new, ranging from academics to athletics to life lessons. I couldn't ask for a better experience; it has changed my life.”

Knudsen plans to commission as an Navy ensign and train as a pilot after graduation in May 2013.

Mueller is an applied mathematics major and serves as the 1st Company commander in charge of 149 midshipmen. He is responsible for the safety, well-being and efficiency of his company, working closely with his company officer and senior enlisted leader to ensure that it runs as effectively as possible.

When asked why the Naval Academy is a rewarding experience, Mueller responded, “USNA is a rewarding experience because of all the people that you meet. I have met so many people and seen so many things that my regular college friends have not. I have a lot to share and have been through a lot with my classmates that a normal college student cannot relate to.”

Mueller will commission as an ensign and train as a submariner after graduation in May 2013.

Knudsen and Mueller will be home for the Thanksgiving holiday and will be speaking with local students about the opportunities available at the Naval Academy.

Middle and high school students interested in learning more about the Naval Academy may contact retired Navy Capt. Mel Walters, the local Naval Academy area coordinator, at 406-777-2421 or by email at usna68inmt@aol.com.

Founded in 1845, the U.S. Naval Academy today is a prestigious four-year service academy that prepares midshipmen morally, mentally and physically to be professional officers in the naval service. More than 4,400 men and women representing every state in the U.S. and several foreign countries make up the student body, known as the Brigade of Midshipmen. U.S. News and World Reports has recognized the Naval Academy as a top five undergraduate engineering school and a top 20 best liberal arts college. Midshipmen learn from military and civilian instructors and participate in intercollegiate varsity sports and extracurricular activities. They also study subjects like small arms, drill, seamanship and navigation, tactics, naval engineering and weapons, leadership, ethics and military law. Upon graduation, midshipmen earn a federally funded Bachelor of Science degree in a choice of 23 different subject majors and go on to serve at least five years of exciting and rewarding service as commissioned officers in the U.S. Navy or U.S. Marine Corps.

For more information about the Naval Academy, visit www.usna.edu or our Facebook page.

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